# Electron beam tests advance safer sterilization method for flies that threaten livestock

Source: [Biology News - Evolution, Cell theory, Gene theory, Microbiology, Biotechnology](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-electron-advance-safer-sterilization-method.html) · 2026-11-12 · Life
Page: https://themorning.science/story/electron-beam-tests-advance-safer-sterilization-method-for-flies-that-threaten-l-02ec23f4715a2ad4
Kind: research · Impact: medium

## In brief

- Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists achieved early success using electron beam (eBeam) technology to sterilise New World screwworm flies for the sterile insect technique (SIT).
- The approach is presented as a potentially safer alternative to the existing sterilisation method for flies that threaten livestock.

## Why it matters

Sterile insect technique is used to control pest populations without chemicals; a safer sterilisation method could make such programmes more practical against livestock pests like the New World screwworm.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-12: Biology News reports early success of electron beam sterilisation tests on screwworm flies

## Coverage

- [Electron beam tests advance safer sterilization method for flies that threaten livestock](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-electron-advance-safer-sterilization-method.html) — Biology News - Evolution, Cell theory, Gene theory, Microbiology, Biotechnology, 2026-11-12

Tags: sterile insect technique, screwworm, electron beam, livestock pests, sterilisation

---

Brief generated by AI (claude-haiku-5-5) from the reporting listed under Coverage. Headlines belong to their publishers. The Morning Science – https://themorning.science